Maxine Bliss Hance

Maxine Bliss Hance, 91, passed away in her sleep at the home of her daughter, Jaci Eskridge, in Brookings. Both of her daughters, Jaci and Charlene "Shanna" George, were with her as she slipped peacefully from this life to join her family and friends in the next.

Maxine was born in Lakeport, Calif., to Charles D. and Roma (Wrieden) Elliott. Maxine attended school in Middletown, Calif. where she was an honor student and liked by all her classmates.

Maxine married right after high school graduation and had two children, Steven and Charlene. The marriage fell apart after the death of 20-month-old Steven.

In 1941 Maxine and Charlene "Shanna" returned to Middletown.

She married Jack Bliss in 1946.The couple made their home on Cobb Mountain, in California. The couple lived there until the death of Jack in 1980.

Maxine went to work as a teacher's aide in Middletown, where Mike entered high school. She worked in special education and speech therapy, where she was loved by all the children and teachers. After Jack's, she continued working there for several years, earning an associate degree by going to evening classes.

In 1984, she was reunited with a high school friend, Eugene Hance. In 1985, the couple married and Gene built a home for Maxine in Auburn, Calif. In 1994, Maxine and Gene moved to Brookings. Jaci and family joined them there and the two women continued their close relationship.

Maxine became a much-admired member of the Senior Bowling League. She made many new friends and shared a lot of laughs. She continued to bowl for 10 years, stopping when pain in her shoulder became too bad to continue. Her heart was always at the bowling alley even though her body was not.